SHILOH MESSENGER - December 2011
















 

“DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME”
(Luke 22:19)

The Communion Table in the Chapel of Shiloh needed a bit of tender care. Years had faded the words inscribed upon its front panel. You could barely make out “In Remembrance”. The attention to, and project of restoration has been completed. The words now stand out and cry forth as they are being read. “DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.”
Christmas like Communion is a celebration of remembrance.  However, has not JESUS WORDS BECOME FAINT on the heart of many professing believers?
 
The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a gracious gift from a gracious Savior to help us better grasp and experience HIS Love for us. Along with the preaching, teaching, hearing, reading of God’s Word, prayer and fellowship of the Saints, the sacraments are means of Grace. They are not bare or empty symbols, but vehicles for The Holy Spirit to bring us into Sweeter Communion with our Risen Savior. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)
 
We have made it a priority at Shiloh to participate in the taking of Communion on a regular basis and also on the Eve of Christmas not as a tradition but as it is a given wonderful opportunity to reflect upon our Lord. With the increasing materialism and commercialism that is pronounced by the World’s System at Christmas, this is yet a way we can be encouraged to meditate on Christ and HIS self giving love sacrifice, and indeed THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.
It is important to us to teach the men of Shiloh about this Divine Blessed Sacrament and Holy Ordinance of self examination, prayer, reflection upon Christ and the POWER OF HIS BLOOD.
 
Our hopes are to not only instruct these students for this year they are at Shiloh, but to impart to them a desire to continue after they leave Shiloh, and for them to also teach and lead their families in the taking of Communion and its importance as part of their walk with Christ and obedience to HIS COMMAND.
 
Jesus came from Heaven born of a Virgin, lived, died and was resurrected for the purpose of covenant. He offered HIMSELF for our “KOINONIA”. Koinonia is a Greek Word which means to communicate and share in the same realities and properties with another. It is communion by “intimate participation”. Christ came to restore us  back to God’s original design of intimate participation in Him. It is because of intimacy we  hear His broken Heart for fallen humanity and respond like Christ to a fallen world. “As you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8).
 
Communion and Christmas go hand in hand. One is not complete without the other. Both are reminders of CHRIST OUR SACRIFICE. Without HIS Birth, there would be no Communion. What would be the point of KOINONIA?  Without Christ and HIS COMING and THE LOOKING FOR HIS RETURN AGAIN, there is no hope. He came so we can have fellowship with God the Father through Him and By THE HOLY SPIRIT.
 
THE KEEPING OF COVENANT IS BASED UPON REMEMBRANCE.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
 
Remembrance is a powerful act, and it is a Command for us as Christ followers. Not only is this a mandate, time to remember, reflect, and an emblem of salvation, self examination and asking forgiveness of any sin in our lives, It is also a time to re-commit our loyalty to Christ and receive wisdom and revelation. It is for receiving of healing in our mind, body, spirit. It is for strength and refreshment. It is for REST in all areas of our life. What a grand time of year to receive REST! It is a Blessed Sacrament of sweet fellowship with The Holy Spirit. This Christmas Season may we suggest combining Christmas and Communion? They really do go hand in hand. May we be encouraged to re-commit and close the year out with these Words that are not faint, but strong and pronounced and truly sincere, TAKE  ME LORD, BLESS ME LORD, BREAK ME LORD (A Broken and Contrite Spirit) and GIVE ME LORD FOR YOUR GLORY.
 
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:6-8
 
HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!


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